Ruth Eleanor Holton
Of Wheeling

Ruth Eleanor Holton was born January 10, 1925 in Chicago to Walter Edwin and Florence B. Nicolaisen. She passed away July 11, 2012 at her home with family members by her side.

She graduated from Bowen High School in Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois and graduated from Northeastern University, Chicago, in 1972 with honors. She received her master’s degree in special education from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, in 1980.

Ruth was married to Robert T. Morrisett on October 23, 1943 in Chicago. He passed away October 6, 1968. On July 12, 1980, Ruth and Harold B. Holton were joined in marriage at the Disciples of Christ Christian Church of Arlington Heights. Harold passed away June 8, 2004.

While her children were attending school in Arlington Heights and Chicago, Ruth actively participated in the PTA and served a term as President. She was a founding member of her church, Disciples of Christ Christian Church of Arlington Heights and served in many roles including board member, Bible School and Sunday school teacher, and member of the Rachael-Rebecca Women’s Fellowship Circle which she was chairman for several years.

Ruth was a special education teacher in Arlington Heights for 17 years at Wilson and Ivy Hill Schools before retiring in 1988. In 1978 she was nominated as Teacher of the Year for Arlington Heights School District #25.

Upon retirement she volunteered for Omni Youth Services as a tutor for children with emotional and behavioral disorders and assisted in the Parent Aid program of Omni as well.

One of her many passions was writing and composing poetry. She also enjoyed reading, sewing and was well known for her cooking and baking endeavors. Most of all she will be remembered for her deep spiritual commitment to God, devotion to family, her church and many friends.

Ruth is survived by her children Ralph (Carol) Morrisett, William Morrisett, Suzanne Morrisett, Lianne (David) Keeton and Kenneth (Catherine) Morrisett; as well as her nephew James Nicolaisen; her daughter-in-law Barbara Lentine; her step daughters Judith (Richard) Rew, Deborah (Robert) Zavila, Laura (Frank) Heuser; her grandchildren include Laura (Todd) Kundert, David (Kim) Morrisett, Kenneth Morrisett, Jackie (Brian) Burch, Jeanette Morrisett, John Keeton, Michael Keeton, Stephanie (Daniel) Bailey, Tiffany Morrisett-Miks, Jim Nicolaisen Jr. and step grandchildren Jamie Zavila, Stacy (Martin Michalski) Zavila, Robert Zavila, Oliver Rew, Emma Rew, Robert Middleton, Carrie Brunk and Arthur Heuser. Ruth is also survived by 12 great grandchildren.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husbands; her brothers Walter Nicolaisen and Willard Nicolaisen and by her parents.

A memorial service in celebration of Ruth’s life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 28, 2012 at The Christian Church of Arlington Heights, 333 W. Thomas St., Arlington Heights. There will be a visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Arrangements by the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., Arlington Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Christian Church of Arlington Heights.